I know misery gives you happiness, but they’re playing in the national title game.
Had he been asked about Florida, he’d have talked about Florida. How do you turn a question about the Lumbee Tribe into an answer about Florida’s transition offense?
18 Likes
What kind of questions were they asked? Were they asked about the game tomorrow?
I keep hearing they choked. Insulting to one of the greatest defensive teams in the last 40 years.
2 Likes
I don’t see $300 anymore. I guess people are cashing in but there all over the lower bowl. See link above
I don’t think we’ve won a game this season. Other teams just play poorly and lose to us. It’s uncanny
12 Likes
Why even play the game
1 Like
We held them to 17 points below their season average. But to hear some people they were just playing Horse out there over a couple of beers.
3 Likes
Presser was a previewing Florida presser. It was all about Duke and what we did to Duke.
Bet Florida doesn’t give a rats asz about Duke.
Watch Florida’s press conference and compare.
Make sure the Florida players know that
I never see the blowout losses (to close the season) coming.
Georgia Tech in 2016. Baylor in 2021. Miami in 2023.
And I don’t see it here. If we can stop Clayton, I think we can win big. Otherwise, I expect it to be close. In fact, overtime would not surprise me.
1 Like
1983 NC game, Lorenzo Charles, that’s misery.
5 Likes
For Sampson. For The City !
3 Likes
The players and coaches don’t control the questions that they’re asked though. Unless you’re complaining about the questions that the reporters asked? Either way, I’m sure that Sampson and the players are focused on and winning the game. The press conference has no bearing on their preparation for the biggest game of their careers.
Acres what press conference did you watch???
He answered the questions he was asked. How pitiful it is to always see things from a negative perspective.
It FLEW over your head hearing him talk about about his family (specifically his twin sister who passed away a few yrs ago) and obviously him not having her here and be able share this experience with her. He was obviously choked up about it.
He also spoke about his mom and her trying to teach him about learning how to smell the roses. “Nothing about Florida” you ask?? He’s walking into the team hotel with a huge contingent of UH fans and he’s thinking about getting alone with Kellen so they can start looking at film of Florida to come up with a game plan.
And here you are b!tch!ng and complaining like you always do.
8 Likes
I sure hope Florida’s players are just as arrogant and unconcerned as their fans…
I’m surprised we are still the dog to Florida, even though it’s a small margin. I’m not saying we will win for sure, but they scare me way less than Duke did.
1 Like
Grok Analysis:
Tomorrow, April 7, 2025, the University of Houston Cougars will face off against the Florida Gators in the NCAA men’s basketball championship game. As of today, April 6, 2025, assessing the exact “chance” of Houston winning involves looking at current analysis, team performance, and betting odds, though no definitive probability can be calculated without speculative modeling beyond my capabilities. However, I can provide an informed perspective based on available insights and highlight the keys to victory for Houston.
Chance of Houston Beating Florida
Houston enters the championship game as a slight underdog. According to betting odds from various sources as of April 6, 2025, Florida is favored by 1.5 points (e.g., SportsLine consensus), with moneyline odds around -116 for Florida and -104 or +102 for Houston, depending on the sportsbook. These tight odds suggest a near coin-flip scenario, implying Houston has approximately a 45-50% implied probability of winning based on betting markets. Analysts like Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf from ESPN have predicted a Houston victory (67-65 and 70-67, respectively), citing the Cougars’ elite defense and resilience, while others lean toward Florida due to Walter Clayton Jr.'s scoring prowess. Given Houston’s dramatic comeback against Duke and Florida’s own gritty path, the game is expected to be fiercely competitive, with no clear dominant favorite.
Keys to Houston Winning
For Houston to secure its first national title in program history, several critical factors must align:
Elite Defense Neutralizes Walter Clayton Jr.:
Houston boasts the nation’s top-ranked defense, allowing just 58.3 points per game on average. The key will be containing Florida’s All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr., who has been on a historic tear, averaging 24.6 points per game in the tournament and becoming the first player since Larry Bird to score 30+ points in back-to-back Elite Eight and Final Four games. Houston’s suffocating style, exemplified by holding Duke to one field goal in the final 10+ minutes of their semifinal, must disrupt Clayton’s rhythm. Assigning veteran defenders like LJ Cryer or Joseph Tugler (the Lefty Driesell Award winner as the top defensive player) to harass Clayton, force turnovers, and limit his clean looks will be crucial.
Control the Pace and Limit Transition:
Houston excels in half-court settings, where their physicality and experience shine. Florida’s high-powered offense (third nationally at 85.3 points per game) thrives in transition. The Cougars need to slow the game down, as posts on X suggest slow-paced teams have historically managed Florida’s speed effectively, especially on short turnarounds like this one. Forcing Florida into a grind-it-out battle plays to Houston’s strengths.
Leverage 3-Point Shooting:
Houston has averaged nine made 3-pointers per game in the tournament, with sharpshooters like LJ Cryer (26 points vs. Duke) and Milos Uzan capable of stretching defenses. Against Florida, maintaining this perimeter threat could open up the floor and counter the Gators’ strong frontcourt depth. A hot shooting night could be the difference, especially if Florida packs the paint to stop drives.
Win the Rebounding Battle:
Florida ranks fifth nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (38.9%), giving them second-chance opportunities. Houston’s gritty frontcourt, led by J’Wan Roberts (double-double vs. Duke: 12 points, 11 rebounds), must match Florida’s physicality on the glass. Limiting extra possessions will be vital against a team that can capitalize on rebounds with Clayton’s scoring.
Veteran Experience Under Pressure:
Houston’s roster is one of the oldest in the country, with players like Cryer (a national champion with Baylor) and Roberts (prior Final Four experience) bringing composure. Coach Kelvin Sampson, in his third title game appearance with Houston, knows how to navigate high-stakes moments. This experience could prove decisive in a close finish, especially after their clutch 9-0 run to close out Duke.
Conclusion
Houston’s chance of beating Florida hinges on their ability to impose their defensive identity and exploit their experience, likely giving them a fighting shot in the 45-50% range based on current sentiment and odds. The game could come down to whether Houston’s defense can stifle Clayton and if their 3-point shooting holds up under pressure. If they execute these keys—particularly slowing the pace and winning the physical battle—they could end their championship drought in San Antonio tomorrow night.
1 Like
Reminds me of being in London watching the original broadway show CATS and my kid starts crying so I take him out to the Foyer and looking out an outside window from the theatre I see a guy streaking down the street with about 100 people near him cheering him on. England had won a soccar match in the world cup. I immediately wanted an English ale to wash down the event and hoping my child doesn’t ask me why was the man naked.
3 Likes